Faba Reaches The Pinnacle

A gem may glitter, but if you really want to ``go for the gold,`` the thing to strive for is the pinnacle, according to the Florida Atlantic Builders Association (FABA).

To reflect ``a higher level of quality,`` FABA has revamped and renamed its awards program amd parade of homes. The GEM Awards have been replaced by The Pinnacle Awards and The Parade of Homes has been sent on a one-way march in favor of The Great American Home Hunt.

Both programs have been changed to better serve builders and consumers, FABA officials report.

What`s in a name?

A ``gem`` is ``something prized especially for great beauty or perfection,`` according to Webster`s.

But a ``pinnacle`` is ``a lofty peak, the highest point of development or achievement,`` as Webster`s puts it. What more could a builder hope to accomplish?

``We choose the `Pinnacle` because this year`s program will truly recognize those in the building industry who are the best,`` Davis said. ``The new look and feel of the awards program compliments the new character`` of the Home Hunt.

The Great American Home Hunt is both a Broward and Palm Beach counties open house for participating builders and the title of a special informational tabloid that will be published as part of the News/Sun-Sentinel on Jan. 24.

``Our new name says more about the tabloid than `The Parade of Homes` and sets us apart`` from others, said Terry Bickel, Home Hunt Chair. ``The great American Home Hunt tab will be geared to the homebuyer. It will be full of useful information and become a tool for prospective buyers.``

Bickel added that the Home Hunt reflects an upbeat attitude -- the feeling of those buying a new home.

The special section will contain tips on everything from financing to the unique considerations in buying a home in South Florida.

A key feature of the tabloid will be a locator map showing every participating development and an index showing price, housing type, and town in which the development is situated.

Topics to be covered in the section (as space allows) include: how to win a free trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands; a survival guide to building your first custom home; a pre-move checklist; and choosing the right mortgage.

Other articles will discuss: home ownership as an investment, tips on buying a home in South Florida; the advantages of hiring an interior design professional and landscaping for a sub-tropical climate.

Still other stories planned are: a discussion of affordable housing (which ranges from $40,000 to $200,000 depending on your income); and taking advantage of the property around your home.

For participating builders, there are chances for gold, silver or bronze awards, plus a merit award to be presented in each of the major categories, along with awards in six subdivisions in each category.

Contractors will be eligible for specialty awards in categories such as energy conservation, kitchen design and pool or spa efforts.

Recognition will be given in sales categories: Salesperson of the Year, Marketing Manager of the Year and Marketing Director of the Year.

``The purpose of the Pinnacle Awards is not only for recognition of achievement, but for the whole program to be a catalyst in upgrading the level of professionalism throughout the building community,`` Bickel noted.